Romans 9:17 – Also unbelief is part of God’s plan

For the scripture is saying to Pharaoh that “For this selfsame thing I rouse you up, so that I should be displaying in you My power, and so that My name should be published in the entire earth.”

Moses knew beforehand that Pharaoh would not listen to God’s call (“let my people go!”). When Pharaoh gave in under great pressure, God Himself prevented him from doing so, and hardened his heart. Pharaoh’s resistance was essential in God’s purpose. To demonstrate strength, counterforce is indispensable. Qualities only shine through contrast. A ‘strong man’ like pharaoh, the head of the world power in those days, was therefore ideally suited to fulfill that contrasting role.

Romans 9 shows that everything is going according to GOD’s plan. As Proverbs 16:4 says, “YAHWEH has made everything for its own outcome,  yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.” Pharaoh in Moses’ day is a perfect example of this. GOD himself made sure that Pharaoh remained wicked by hardening his heart. Pharaoh and his army were to figure in the showdown and triumph of God. Indeed, that meant the end for Pharaoh and his followers. But… with GOD, death is never the end. He ultimately is merciful to all (Rom.11:32). Also to Pharaoh.

Delen: